Innovative
solutions to the design, management and maintenance of urban
greenspace

Tåstrup, near
RoskildeAn
example of using discussions with inhabitants, supported by
major injections of money from the housing company and the
municipality, in an attempt to change the design of the
external areas of a high density housing estate and make the
place more liveable.

Probably one of the
worst large housing developments in Denmark, these large
blocks of flats were renovated 10 years ago, but still have
many problems. They are now due for a further renovation and
in depth discussions are underway with the local
inhabitants. External funds will be necessary, since many of
the problems are structural and not just to do with
greenspace, although in the next phase improving greenspace
is seen as a way of making this site a less hostile place in
which to live. A grey, bleak place at the best of times, an
attempt has been made to improve the look of the estate by
painting the blocks different colours, yellow and pink, and
adding slanted roofs. However, in reality this does little
to improve the estate as a residential environment.

At intervals through the
estate the underground car parking areas (see above) have
been replaced by a variety of greenspace, designed by the
tenants in the adjacent blocks. Some have chosen hard
surfaces and a children's play area and others have opted
for garden features.

There are patio gardens
outside some 1st floor flats. A community centre was also
built which has proved to be popular.

The estate remains an
area of relative poverty, with a high number of immigrants.
The rate of turnover of tenants is still high, but many of
the local people still want to stay there. It will be
interesting to see if the further improvements to the
greenspace of this site now being considered by the
residents help to turn it round so that it becomes a site to
which people want to move.